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Question to Teacher: HONTOU versus HONTOUNI
Course 2 Lesson 2: The Zoo (New Words)

mmason73

Post Date: 2009-07-17 05:52:46

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2008 Feb 18

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I was wondering whether there is any difference between the words HONTOU and HONTOUNI. My feeling is that they are interchangeable. Just wanted to know your thoughts and how you use it. I have been watching a lot of Maison Ikkoku and I hear the characters using both words a lot.

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JFZ_George

Post Date: 2009-07-18 06:58:09

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1997 Aug 25

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Well this is an excellent question.

The meaning really doesn't change but I think the power of the word changes. HONTOU NI seems stronger since a emphasis tends to be on the NI.

When saying "HONTOU?" it really doesn't seem as impactful and doesn't have the sense of disbelief that "HONTOU NI?" has.

I hope this helps.

George @ YesJapan.com